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CONTACT: Janice B. Zenter, 207-326-2256

Athletic Director Jim Dyer Announces Retirement

CASTINE, Maine - Maine Maritime Academy Director of Athletics Jim Dyer has announced his intention to retire from his position effective July 30, 2010. Dyer has been the Director of Athletics at the Castine-based NCAA Division III school since August 2004.

During his six-year tenure, Dyer has overseen a successful period for Mariner Athletics. During that time, MMA teams have qualified for seven NCAA Tournament berths, three in Women's Basketball, one in Football, and three in Women's Volleyball.

A strong advocate for the student-athlete, Dyer has emphasized academic achievement which has led to marked improvement in the overall grade point averages of Mariner student-athletes. Overall GPAs for all MMA student-athletes consistently fall in the 2.9 to 3.0 range.

Under Dyer's leadership, Maine Maritime athletic facilities have also realized decided improvements. The playing floor in Margaret Chase Smith Gymnasium has been completely refurbished, and a new ceiling and sound system have been added to the facility. Ritchie Field, MMA's primary outdoor playing field, has received a new Sprinturf surface, a new scoreboard, new grandstands, along with a two-story press box, and fencing which completes an attractive look for the lighted facility.

Other noteworthy accomplishments of Dyer's tenure have included a number of highly successful fund-raising activities in support Mariner Athletics, and the launch of a new website www.marinersports.com, increasing exposure for the college and recognizing student-athlete accomplishments.

A 40-year veteran of intercollegiate athletics, Dyer coached college soccer for 25 years, most recently at the University of Maine, prior to entering the area of athletic administration. In addition to administrative assignments at UMaine and Maine Maritime Academy, Dyer lists administrative leadership positions as chairman of the NCAA Men's Soccer Committee, a position on the National Soccer Coaches Association Board of Directors, membership on the America East Conference Championships and Competition Committee, and chairman of the North Atlantic Conference Athletic Director's Council.

Dyer plans to continue his involvement in athletic administration by doing consulting work for the North Atlantic Conference. "I am very fortunate to have been able to work with such a strong group of coaches and support staff at Maine Maritime Academy. They are not only talented individuals, but also educators who have great values and sincerely care about the development of their student-athletes," Dyer said.

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